LONDON CALLINGOUR OLYMPIC ISSUE

EXCLUSIVE OLYMPIC

FOREWORD BY STEVE WAUGH

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JOCK ATHLETIC PAYS TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MALACOS

In the late 80’s I came across this fellow at uni who seemed to know everyone, was always happy, outgoing and enthusiastic. His name was George Malacos. George was in the year below me but we soon became good friends. I played in the uni Rugby League team with George and he was a star player as well as a star bloke. Late that same year, during a uni break, George and a few friends hired on a houseboat and this is when George’s life would change forever. Deciding to go for a swim, George dove off the boat near the shore, slipped, went head first and broke his neck. Thankfully, through the quick thinking of great mate Paul Watson and others, they saved him although forevermore George would be a quadriplegic.

Sadly last week, George passed away, some 25 years after his accident. This tribute is in honour of George, a man who made the most out of his situation. A reminder to all out there that one simple mistake can change your life drastically.

This is a tribute to George, a great bloke, a sporting life that might have been, and hopefully a story that might save just one other person from a similar fate. We wish you well George, wherever you’ve gone and hope you’re in a much better place. You have made a great mark on us and we will miss you.

The choices we make, determine the life we lead!

RIP George.

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IN REMEMBERANCE: the Saturday morning sandhills group pauses for a minutes silence, in honour of George. INSET: George, right, with one of his best mates and true friends, Paul Watson.

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STEVE WAUGHForeword byI was lucky enough to represent my country for 18 years and tour the world with one of the most successful sporting teams in history. We won two World Cups, 8 Ashes Series in a row and broke the World Record by winning 16 Test Matches. I enjoyed every moment of this journey and the challenges and life lessons that revealed themselves along the way. Little did I know that many of these experiences would one day be of value and be sought after by an Australian Olympic Team.

I was awarded the tremendous honour of being selected as an Australian Liaison/Mentor at the Beijing Olympic Games and now again in London. Talk about the “Dream Role” – imagine living in the Olympic Village, marching in the Opening & Closing Ceremonies and having access to every venue and event! As a kid I used to love watching the documentaries on the Olympic Games and I’d marvel at the “against-all-odds” Cinderella stories, the courage in the face of adversity feats, the underdog triumphing or the great athletes elevating themselves into legendary status through extraordinary performances. Four years ago I sat poolside as Michael Phelps broke Mark Spitz 7 gold medal haul, I was trackside to watch a man who will one day be mentioned alongside Muhammad Ali as “the greatest athlete of all time”, Usain Bolt, I was courtside to see Rafael Nadal dismantle Lleyton Hewitt and I marveled at Lionel Messi’s dazzling skills as he assured Argentina a victory against our football boys. But there is nothing like seeing the Australian flag hoisted to the top position, accompanied by the National Anthem and I was privileged to see this happen 12 times in Beijing.

Being a mentor of course allows me to be a part of these incredible highs but our task is much broader than purely watching incredible moments in sporting history. Our brief is to be a supportive without interfering, to enhance the camaraderie and team spirit of the group and to make ourselves available in anyway that benefits individuals, teams or coaching staff. In Beijing I talked to a number of athletes about how to handle pressure situations, the challenge of being away from home and support groups for extended periods of time, the unusual occurrence of being in front of big crowds, which was an issue for teams like Badminton and Archery and most challenging was the confronting situation of embracing defeat or not achieving expectations and whether or not to continue the dream for another 4 years.

The one constant from my Beijing experience was the universal trait that binds all the athletes competing in this pinnacle of sport – they are all dedicated, professional and make enormous sacrifices which in most cases lead to little or no financial gain. Fully paid professional sportspeople contemplating how tough life can be would soon get a reality check if they spent time with some of the teams I am now working with before London. The synchronized swimming team receives absolutely no funding and in fact need to raise about $30,000 a year just to stay in the team. They pack their own lunches, billet each other out when needed, pay for lane space in the pools and fundraise to offset costs, yet they remain totally committed to doing their best against teams like Russia, who are fully professional and financially supported.

It’s these Aussie girls that to me are what the Spirit of the Games is all about and I can’t wait to be part of it again and stand and salute all those who represent out great country.

Steve WaughPhoto courtesy of Sean Izzard, www.seanizzard.com

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STEVE WAUGH

Steve Waugh

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THIS MONTH »

EZINE BRAINS TRUSTPUBLISHER Jock AthleticEDITORS Jock Campbell / Melissa CampbellART DIRECTOR/DESIGN Kiss the Sky / Annie ZiemeADVERTISING/PRODUCTION Melissa Campbell / Dee McCarthy

CONTRIBUTORS Dan Atkins, Tim Brennan, Jock Campbell, Rebecca Gawthorne, Peter Hadfield, Daniel Lane, Michael Martin, Siobhan McCarthy, Craig Stevens,

Our AWESOME Cover Image of Eloise Wellings: www.birdandbee.com.au

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WHO MAKES A CHAMPIONEmpirica Research

LONDON CALLINGEloise Wellings

SWIMMERS PRIMED FOR LONDONCraig Stevens

THE HOME STRAIGHTPeter hadfield (OAM)

MUST-DO EVENT OF THE MONTHSutherland 2 Surf

ALI NAJEMAmateur Athlete Profile

PADDLEBOARD WORLD TITLESJock Campbell

LISA WEIGHTMAN: PART 2Professional Athlete Profile

FIRST TIMERMel Campbell

FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD: PART 2Mel Campbell

ATHLETE NEWSJock Athletic

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SUBSCRIBE NOW »Ryan Waters, Paul Watson, Eloise WellingsEDITORIAL OFFICEJock Athletic | PO Box 1186 Cronulla 2230W 0415 998 636 | EMAIL ezine@jockathletic.com

Runners slug it out during the annual Sutherland 2 Surf Fun Run, 11kms from Sutherland to Cronulla’s Wanda Beach.

Image courtesy of John Veage, photographer extraordinare, Fairfax Media

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WHO MAKES A CHAMPION

A group or researchers in the US, Gould, Dieffenbach, and Moffett, wanted to not only understand the characteristics of a champion but also how these characteristics were developed. They performed a number of psychological inventories on ten Olympic champions in order to identify the characteristics that set them apart from other great athletes. They interviewed the athletes in depth, along with their coaches and a family member or significant other, in order to determine how these characteristics had developed.

EMPIRICA RESEARCHCASSIE GOVAN, PH.D. / DAVID NEAL, PH.D. / ANNA COSTER, M.A.

WITH THE LONDON OLYMPICS FAST APPROACHING, WE WANTED TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT MAKES AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION. THERE ARE MANY GREAT ATHLETES, BUT WHAT PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS ALLOW THEM TO GO THAT EXTRA STEP?

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WHO MAKES A CHAMPION ?

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WHAT THEY FOUND WAS THAT OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS, THOSE WHO HAD NOT ONLY WON OLYMPIC MEDALS BUT WHO HAD BEEN CONSISTENT PERFORMERS IN THEIR FIELD OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS, COULD BE CHARACTERISED BY A NUMBER OF TRAITS: CONFIDENCE, FREEDOM FROM WORRY, GOAL SETTING AND MENTAL PREPARATION, CONCENTRATION, RELAXATION, EMOTIONAL CONTROL, FOCUS, PERFECTIONISM, OPTIMISM, HOPE, AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS.

To many, this may seem obvious, but how these traits develop is less obvious.

According to the athletes, their coaches and family members, these characteristics developed over a long period of time, and were influenced by many people and factors. In the early stages, parents and families were one of the strongest influences, providing financial, logistical and social-emotional support. Families of these elite athletes emphasised a belief in their abilities as a child and themselves modeled successful behaviours such as hard work, persistence and an active lifestyle. Interestingly while modeling successful behavior, they avoided excessive pressure on the young athlete to succeed.

After childhood, coaches became key in developing the athlete’s psychological characteristics. They did this by emphasising hard work, discipline as well as having fun, and having personal characteristics that engender athlete trust, understanding the athlete and directly teaching mental skills.

Many other people were cited as influencing the development of the athletes. Their community, teachers and friends help the athlete relax, and see themselves beyond their sporting identity. The sport process itself plays a role, experience in competition, being involved in teams, training, and losing teach the athlete focus, work ethic, confidence, and determination. Also teammates competitors and former athletes encourage, model and push them to achieve.

So while you’re watching your favourite athlete compete in the Olympics next month, take a moment to think about the enormous support network that has helped develop them into the amazing athlete they are today.

EMPIRICA RESEARCHIS A SOCIAL AND CONSUMER RESEARCH FIRM BASED IN MELBOURNE AND MIAMI.FOR MORE ABOUT EMPIRICA RESEARCH VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

OR FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK AND

TWITTER (@EMPIRICA_UPDATE)

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ELOISE WELLINGS

LONDON CALLING

All images courtesy of Bird & Bee: www.birdandbee.com.au

AFTER 12 YEARS OF DREAMING, I HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED IN THE AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TEAM FOR THE 2012 LONDON OLYMPICS.I WILL CONTEST THE 10,000M,25 LAPS OF THE OLYMPIC TRACK. IT IS TRULY A DREAM COME TRUE!

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LONDON CALLING

I FIRST RAN THE QUALIFYING TIME FOR AN OLYMPIC GAMES WHEN I WAS JUST 16 YEARS OLD, I HAVE BEEN MEASURED FOR 3 PREVIOUS OLYMPIC UNIFORMS AND DUE TO INJURY AND SIMPLY NOT BEING GOOD ENOUGH FOR FINAL SELECTION I NEVER HAD THE HONOUR OF WEARING ONE.

I imagine it will be difficult to keep my eyes dry when I finally receive the green and gold tracksuit at the team outfitting in London next month.

Since the official announcement of selection, the last week has been spent reflecting on the whole journey up to this point. My routine running loops have been taking a minute or two longer this passed week...I’ve been enjoying big hugs from people who I’ve said “g’morning” to on those trails for the past 12 years. People are so nice. I’ve started running with my arms stretched out, poised and ready for another sweaty hug from those who’ve witnessed the sweat and the toil over the years.

BUT, AS MY COACH NIC BIDEAU LOVES TO QUOTE “I’M NOT GOING FOR THE TRACKSUIT”... I’M GOING TO THE OLYMPICS TO RUN THE RACE OF MY LIFE.

THE JOURNEY

I remember when my Olympic dream begun, as a 10 year old watching Irish champion Sonia O’Sullivan battle it out in the 3,000m. I turned to my mum and dad and told them “I’d like to do that one day”. From that point all I thought about when I ran as a little girl in the under 10’s at little athletics was the Olympic Games and what it would be like to run on “that” big stage. I wouldn’t play games with other kids in the neighborhood unless they were named after the Olympics... It was the “slip and slide... OLYMPICS!”, the “hop scotch... OLYMPICS!”, W “knock and run... OLYMPICS!”

I remember as a 12 year old, convincing my Grandpa “Pa” to drive his yellow Corolla up on to the local oval so that he could clock my speed as he drove alongside me as I ran. It didn’t take much convincing really, he loved breaking the rules and equally loved calling out my “pace per hour” as he was reading it on the speedometer in the old’ Corolla. They were good days, nurturing days. My Pa, bless his soul, was my hero; he had one leg amputated due to complications many years after a bus hit him. Even with one leg, he still swam laps every morning at Kiama pool. Defying doctor’s predictions that it would be too difficult for him to swim with the imbalance of one leg missing.

I remember my childhood coach, Rod Arnold and his dedication to helping me become a better athlete, teaching me to be disciplined; and his unwavering belief that I could one day be an Olympian.

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LONDON CALLING

THE JOURNEYABOVE: ELOISE, 2ND FROM LEFT, IN THE U6’S LITTLE ATHLETICS.

ABOVE RIGHT: PICTURED ON THE FRONT PAGE OF SYDNEY’S DAILY TELEGRAPH NEWSPAPER, HAVING RUN THE 5000M A-QUALIFYING TIME FOR THE SYDNEY OLYMPICS AT JUST 16 YEARS OLD.

RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHED BY HUSBAND JONY, MOMENTS AFTER HEARING THE NEWS SHE’D OFFICIALLY MADE THE AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TEAM FORLONDON 2012.

LONDON CALLING

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LONDON

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STRAIGHT AFTER THE LONDON OLYMPICS, ELOISE, WITH A TEAM OF 20 AUSTRALIANS, WILL BE HEADING TO UGANDA TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE MEDICAL CLINIC THAT THE LOVE MERCY FOUNDATION HELPED TO BUILD IN NORTHERN UGANDA. TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CLINIC, WHICH WILL PROVIDE HEALTH CARE TO UP TO 20,000 NORTHERN UGANDANS AFFECTED BY WAR IN THAT AREA, YOU CAN JOIN THE “LOVE MERCY” TEAM IN THE UPCOMING SUTHERLAND TO SURF (22ND JULY). PLEASE VISIT WWW.LOVEMERCYFOUNDATION.ORG

AND GO TO “REGISTER” TO RUN OR WALK THE SUTHERLAND TO SURF FOR LOVE MERCY.

As I celebrated the news of selection with family and some close friends, I shared, through tears, about my husband Jony’s “whatever it takes” attitude. I remembered how at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Jony was denied entry to the training track by security at the front gate because he didn’t have an official pass. So without a fuss he kissed me goodbye before I headed into the track to run my last hard workout before my first Commonwealth Games race 3 days later. As I started my first rep in the session I heard Jony call out encouragement, at the end of the rep I looked around to see where he was, I couldn’t see him. I heard him the same in the second rep and the third rep and the 4th rep... And finally I finished and looked around bewildered and I heard him call “up here!” Nic pointed to him. He had climbed a huge tree outside the stadium, high enough that he could sit on one of the branches and see right over the track. He smiled and waved, and we laughed. Commitment. I ran out of my skin 3 days later, running a 16 second personal best and narrowly missing a medal, placing 4th in the 5,000m.

I remember and appreciate the commitment, encouragement and the years of sponsorship from my osteopath “Aunty” Kay Macpherson (who isn’t actually my aunty but she is like family) and my podiatrists Owen and Belinda Stuart... All sold out to using their gifts to help me realize this dream.

All of these people, and more, have shaped me.

So as I pack my bags and fly out, London bound, it is with a full and a thankful heart to all the people who have ever blessed me with your words and imparted your belief.

I hope I can do you proud!

El xx

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SWIMMERS PRIMED FOR

OK SO WE ALL KNOW NAMES

SUCH AS JAMES MAGNUSSEN,

EAMON SULLIVAN, JESSICA

SCHIPPER AND LEISEL JONES SO

LET US LOOK AT SOME OF THE

LESSER KNOWN AUSTRALIAN

SWIMMERS GETTING READY

TO TEAR UP AND DOWN THE

POOL AT THE 2012 LONDON

OLYMPICS. THE TRIALS WHICH

WERE HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR

IN ADELAIDE THREW UP SOME

SURPRISE RESULTS AND HAVE

GIVEN THE NATION SOME

RENEWED HOPE THAT IT CAN

STILL MATCH IT WITH THE BEST

IN THE POOL.

LONDON

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CRAIG STEVENS

Photo: sportingimages.com.au

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LONDON

Photo: AAPIMAGE

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MEN TO WATCHTHE ONE SWIMMER THAT YOU MUST FOLLOW IS THOMAS FRASER HOLMES.

Originally from the Hunter Club in Newcastle, he moved to Canberra to train out of the AIS but has since made a solid relationship with Grant Hackett’s former mentor, Denis Cotterell, at the Miami club on the Gold Coast. He will swim in the 400m Individual Medley and the 200m Freestyle and also be part of the 4x200m Freestyle Relay. Fraser Holmes won both the 400 I.M and the 200 Free at the Trials, but it was in the 400 I.M where he made a massive drop from 4.16 to 4.11.81 to smash the Australian Record held by another great Novocastrian Justin Norris. The time that he swam at the Trials this year currently has him ranked 4th in the World with a couple of countries still to have their trials, but he won’t be too far off medal contention if he can take another couple of seconds off. He will be up against the powerhouse pair of Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte so he will have his work cut out for him but the quietly spoken Fraser Holmes has a hard work attitude which will have him ready for any challenge. Australia has a very strong history with the Men’s 4x200 Relay and with Fraser Holmes anchoring he only needs a sniff to ensure Australia is on the podium.

Next, keep an eye on is Queensland swimmer Kylie Palmer. This young lady will not have too much time to rest in between her events as she has a big week planned.

Training out of the Chandler pool in Brisbane she has been a solid performer since making her National team debut at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. She was a massive part of the 4x200m team that won Gold in Beijing. Palmer’s best chance of a medal in London will be in the 400m Freestyle. There will be a couple of very strong competitors in the Women’s middle distance event, one is Italy’s Federica Pellegrini who is the defending Champion in the 200m

Freestyle, and the other one who will be standing in the way of Australia’s success is Britain’s own Rebecca Adlington who is the defending 400m and 800m Gold Medallist

from the Beijing Olympics.

But even though Kylie is only short in height she has a massive heart and will be giving everything to win a medal for Australia, who hasn’t won a medal in the 400m Freestyle since Hayley Lewis in Barcelona 1992.

WOMEN TO WATCH

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The third swimmer that was a standout at the Australian Trials and a Gold Medal chance in London is Backstroker Belinda Hocking.

A finalist in Beijing and a Silver medallist at the 2011 World Swimming Championships, the Australian Institute of Sport swimmer

PALMER WILL BE CONTESTING THE 200, 400 AND 800M FREESTYLE EVENTS AND WILL ALSO BE ONE OF THE MAIN GUNS (EXCUSE THE TERM) IN THE WOMEN’S 4X200M FREESTYLE RELAY.

has developed into a world class athlete who consistently stands up and performs. She was only two tenths of a second from upsetting Emily Seebohm in the 100m Backstroke at the Trials but it is in the 200m event where she will be trying to go one place better than she did at the World Champs last year in Shanghai. She will be out to turn the table on Seebohm in the 100m event, as the top Australian performer in each of the 100m events will be selected to swim in the Final of the 4x100m Medley Relay at the end of the program. This is always interesting to watch and in the past has turned teammates against each other as it is a great honour to be part of a Finals team, especially when you are a very good chance of taking home a medal.

Photo: news.com.au

A refreshingapproachto property southernstarproperty.com.au

CRAIG STEVENSIS A FORMER OLYMPIAN AND COMMONWEALTH GAMES ATHLETE, SPECIALISING IN THE 400M, 800M AND 1500M FREESTYLE EVENTS. HE IS NOW HEAD COACH OF THE ELITE SQUAD AT SANS SOUCI LEISURE CENTRE.

THE COMEBACKSA lot of the focus at the trials was on the comebacks of Ian Thorpe, Michael Klim and Geoff Huegill, all three unfortunately did not qualify to swim at the Games but it did give the sport some much needed media attention in a positive manner, other than some negative press it had been receiving from incidents that occurred outside of the pool. Huegill of course had already done a remarkable job to come back and win Gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games so it was an upset that he could only manage 5th at the Australian Trials.

The 100m Butterfly will be swum in the Green and Gold by Chris Wright from the Gold Coast and Sydney based Brisbane boy Jayden Hadler who did a fantastic job at the Trials to also qualify for the 200m Individual Medley.

The Olympic Swimming program is always such a great spectacle and is sure to produce some unbelievable results. It will be very interesting to see how close, in particular the men; can get to the World Records set in the suits of 2009. I believe that the talent at the moment can get very close and will hopefully erase the asterix’ in the Record Books.

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MY ONE-MAN CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT THE AUSTRALIAN ATHLETICS SELECTORS FROM PICKING RELAY TEAMS FOR THE LONDON GAMES TEAM FAILED MISERABLY!

55 athletes have been nominated to the Australian Olympic Committee by Athletics Australia to represent at the London Olympic Games, the second biggest track & field team since Sydney 2000.

Athletics Australia’s own Nomination Philosophy for the Olympics is “The Olympic Games is the pinnacle competition in the sport of Track and Field and that Athletics Australia should only be represented at the Olympic Games by its world class athletes”.Those athletes who have been selected in the relay team and who have not qualified in their respective individual events are simply not world class!

The good news is that those who do deserve to be in the team because they did achieve the published selection criteria are shaping up well in their bid for London glory.

Congratulations to our eZine’s own Eloise Wellings, who has been selected for the Women’s 10,000m after a strong fitness trial in the US.

STRAIGHTPETER HADFIELD (OAM)

THE HOME

WHAT WERE THE SELECTORS THINKING?12 OF THOSE NOMINATED (22%) ARE 100M & 400M RELAY RUNNERS WHO HAVEN’T ACHIEVED THE QUALIFYING STANDARD.

ATHLETICS

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STRAIGHT

Sally Pearson, the IAAF Women’s Athlete of the Year in 2011, has had a limited competitive build up so far, (which is part of her and her coach Sharon Hannan’s plan), but it seems to be working. After creating a world lead performance in the Women’s 100m hurdles at the Melbourne Selection trials earlier in the year of 12.49, Sally has only raced twice over the hurdles. She ran a time trial at the Gold Coast in 12.74 and then in her only other competition she equalled her world’s lead 2012 performance of 12.49 in Oslo after just stepping off the plane from Australia.

Sally was pressed in Oslo by talented US hurdler Kristi Castlin (12.56), but given the circumstances, I’m predicting a faster time for Sally in her London build up and perhaps even a performance under the 12.21 World Record set by Bulgaria’s Yordanka Donkova 24 years ago.

Sally’s plan is to be based in Cologne, in Germany for the coming few weeks. She will compete at the Paris (6 July) and London (13/14) July installments of the Diamond League and will then join her Australian teammates in camp at the Tonbridge School in Tonbridge Wells in mid-July.

Our “Flying Kangaroos”, long jumpers Mitchell Watt, Henry Frayne and Fabrice Lapierre have had mixed success in their preparations.

Watt, the World Championship Silver Medalist, is also is limiting his competition efforts. He too elected to perform in a trial at the Gold Coast which was his first competition since September last year. His 8.21m immediately placed him in medal contention for London and this was backed up with an 8.16m winning effort in the New York Diamond League.

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ATHLETICS

Henry Frayne has been selected for both the Long Jump and Triple Jump for London and has a current world ranking of #3 in the Long Jump with his 8.27m leap in Sydney. He has been battling with a slight foot injury sustained while triple jumping in Eugene. Fabrice Lapierre came tantalisingly close to achieving the Olympic qualifying distance of 8.20m when he finished second behind Watt in New York with a leap of 8.10m but the Commonwealth Games Gold medalist looks destined to not make the team.

Olympic Pole Vault champion Steve Hooker is still dogged by a case of the ‘yips’. After cementing his spot in the team with a 5.72m clearance at his indoor training facility in Perth, his best efforts outdoors have been 5.42m achieved at both the Diamond League meet in Rome and a low key event in Lille. These performances are way down on what he will need to be in medal contention for

JUMP BACK IN TIME: DECATHLETE PETER HADFIELD CONTESTING THE LONG JUMP AT THE 1984 LOS ANGELES OLYMPICS. LOVE THE RETRO THREADS!

London. 5.72 is still the equal third best performance in the world this year, so there is still hope for Steve if he can get his ‘mojo’ back.

Alana Boyd, our female Pole Vaulter, remains #2 on the Word ranking list this year with the 4.76m performance she achieved while breaking her Australian Record in Perth earlier in the year.

Olympic and World Championship medallist in the Walks, Jared Tallent has a current #3 World ranking over 50K with 3.40.32. His proven form at Championship level bodes well for London.

Australia has had two big improvers in the throws. Discus thrower Benn Harradine has moved into 8th spot on the world list with his Australian record breaking performance in Townsville of 67.53m.

Javelin thrower Kathryn Mitchell has also moved herself into the world’s top 10 with a huge personal best at Ostrava of 64.34m. She tied with Russian World Champion Mariya Abakumova but was still a distance behind Barbora Spotakova (67.87) who is the #1 thrower this year.

The dominating news has been the plight of 3000m Steeplechaser Genevieve LaCaze.

The 22year old student at the University of Florida ran 9.41.15 at an Indianapolis College meet, which bettered the Olympic qualifying

standard of 9:43.00. The catch was that she achieved this performance two days after the closing date for qualifying set down by Athletics Australia. After intervention from John Coates at the AOC, Athletics Australia has extended the qualifying period by 11 days which gave Genevieve a second chance.

Also in the news was the fact that young 100m sprinter Melissa Breen from the ACT was selected, being the only athlete to be nominated (besides the relay runners) who did not achieve the selection standard. Breen was 2/100ths off a second outside the 11.29 required and the selectors decided that given her young age and the fact that she was so close that she should be in the team. Athletes like Fabrice Lapierre and 800m runner Lachlan Renshaw who are both young and who have also just missed the qualifying stand must be asking “why Melissa and not me”.

It’s a dangerous precedent being set by the Athletics Australia selectors who created and published a selection criteria to remove as much subjectivity from the process and who have now overturned their own criteria, favouring one athlete over others in the process.

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AUSTRALIAN TEAM ATHLETICS

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM

PETER HADFIELD OAM REPRESENTED AUSTRALIA IN TWO OLYMPIC GAMES AND TWO COMMONWEALTH GAMES, WINNING A COMMONWEALTH GAMES SILVER MEDAL BEHIND OLYMPIC CHAMPION AND WORLD RECORD HOLDER DALEY THOMPSON. AS WELL AS WORKING AS A TV AND RADIO COMMENTATOR AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, PETER PROVIDES TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR SPORTING TEAMS AND INDIVIDUALS.

What a Pic: Peter Hadfield in flight!

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ATHLETICS

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAMWOMEN (21)100M:MELISSA BREEN (ACT)

1500M:KAILA MCKNIGHT (VIC),ZOE BUCKMAN (ACT)

10,000M:ELOISE WELLINGS (NSW)

MARATHON:JESSICA TRENGOVE (SA), LISA WEIGHTMAN (VIC), BENITA WILLIS (VIC)

100M HURDLES:SALLY PEARSON (QLD)

400M HURDLES:LAUREN BODEN (ACT)

20KM WALK:REGAN LAMBLE (VIC), BEKI LEE (NSW), CLAIRE TALLENT (SA) POLE VAULT:ALANA BOYD (WA), LIZ PARNOV (WA) DISCUS

THROW:DANI SAMUELS (NSW)

JAVELIN:KIM MICKLE (WA),KATHRYN MITCHELL (VIC)

4X100M RELAY:MELISSA BREEN (ACT),HAYLEY BUTLER (NSW),JESSICA KNOX (NSW),SALLY PEARSON (QLD),CHARLOTTE VAN VEENENDAAL (VIC)

3000M STEEPLECHASE:GENEVIEVE LACAZE (TBC)

MEN (34)1500M: RYAN GREGSON (NSW), JEFF RISELEY (VIC)

5000M: COLLIS BIRMINGHAM (VIC), DAVID MCNEILL (VIC), CRAIG MOTTRAM (VIC)

10,000M: BEN ST LAWRENCE (NSW)

MARATHON: MARTIN DENT (ACT), JEFF HUNT (NSW), MICHAEL SHELLEY (QLD)

3000M STEEPLECHASE: YOUCEF ABDI (NSW)

400M HURDLES: BRENDAN COLE (ACT), TRISTAN THOMAS (TAS)

20KM WALK: CHRIS ERICKSON (VIC), ADAM RUTTER (NSW), JARED TALLENT (VIC)

50KM WALK: LUKE ADAMS (NSW), NATHAN DEAKES (VIC), JARED TALLENT (VIC)

LONG JUMP: HENRY FRAYNE (QLD), MITCHELL WATT (QLD)

TRIPLE JUMP: HENRY FRAYNE (QLD)

POLE VAULT: STEVEN HOOKER (WA)

SHOT PUT: DALE STEVENSON (VIC)

DISCUS THROW: BENN HARRADINE (VIC), SCOTT MARTIN (VIC), JULIAN WRUCK (QLD)

JAVELIN: JARROD BANNISTER (VIC)

4X100M RELAY:

ANTHONY ALOZIE (VIC), TIM LEATHART (NSW), ANDREW MCCABE (QLD), ISAAC NTIAMOAH (NSW), JOSH ROSS (VIC)

4X400M RELAY:

BRENDAN COLE (ACT), BEN OFFEREINS (WA), JOEL MILBURN (NSW), STEVEN SOLOMON (NSW), JOHN STEFFENSEN (NSW), TRISTAN THOMAS (TAS)

What a Pic: Peter Hadfield in flight!

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SUTHERLANDTO SURFSUTHERLANDTO SURF

CALTEX/BROOKS

All images courtesy of John Veage, the coolest dude this side of the border, Fairfax Media

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YES, IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN…THE SUTHERLAND TO SURF IS RECOGNISED AS THE LEAD UP RACE FOR THE CITY TO SURF AND PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND ALL FITNESS LEVELS WILL BE SLUGGING IT OUT IN THIS GREAT COMMUNITY EVENT ON SUNDAY, 22ND OF JULY.

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MUST DO EVENT

I first entered this iconic race as my second ever fun run back in the late 80’s with a couple of cricket mates from Sutherland and just loved that it finished right at the beach. Even though it was the middle of winter we still had a swim at the famous Wanda Beach.

The course is a very fast one, starting in Sutherland and heading off at a slight downhill for the first part, it then comes out onto the Kingsway and goes through the suburbs on the Cronulla train line, from Gymea to Miranda, passing “Carmens” night club, before hitting the biggest hill which finishes as you hit the hospital at Miranda, which is around the half way point. There are loads of drink stations all manned by members of Wanda Surf life saving clubs who give you loads of encouragement, or for me sledges and a friendly smile. From there the course has many downhill sections of mild gradients, with only a couple of gradual hills in the back half of the race.

FROM IT’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN THE 1970’S THAT ATTRACTED AROUND 50 ENTRANTS TO NOW IN IT’S 40TH YEAR, THE SUTHERLAND TO SURF BRINGS MORE THAN 7,000 COMPETITORS TO RACE, WHEEL OR WALK 11KMS FROM SUTHERLAND ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE TO WANDA BEACH, CRONULLA. WALKER’S START FROM 8:30AM AND RUNNERS TAKE OFF AT 9AM. THIS RACE SUPPORTS THE WANDA SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB AND FUNDS RAISED SUPPORT SURF LIFE SAVING.

The deceptive part of the race is that you see the ocean from the Kingsway as you come down the hill adjacent to Northies, but you still have 1km to go when you reach that point and a little hill on that final stretch, which can give you a bit of stick.

The last five hundred meters runs along the road parallel to the beach, and that’s when you hear the cheers and noise of the crowd that line the street. Feelings of fatigue are there at this point, but the sight of the beach, the finish arch and the noise of the crowd is enough to spur you onto the finish.

Eleven kms is quite an achievement for most, and when I first did this race it was the furthest I’d ever run. After the race there’s a real carnival atmosphere with BBQ’s going on, all the finishers having a chat telling everyone how good they are and how they’ve gone and mostly joy on the faces of finishes for having completed the great race. I remember finishing all those years ago in my first effort and walking around feeling pretty proud of myself, when quickly I was brought back to earth by my cricket mate Evan Atkins telling me to stop “swanning” around as I’d only run 11k, not a marathon, and that my time was pretty embarrassing. That’s why it’s always good to play team sports; your teammates never let you get a big head!

Several “good” runners do the double by running back to Sutherland to pick up their cars, but that’s just showing off! HA!

It’s a great event, organized by a great community institution in the Wanda Surf Life Saving Club, totally for charity and all completed by volunteers. Jock Athletic have

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it on our events calendar every year and have between 30-50 of our members walk, shuffle jog, run or race the event from our under 10’s to 50+ age members and every year we have a great day.

SEE YOU ALL THERE!

1. PRACTICE DOWNHILL RUNNING IN TRAINING AS THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DOWNHILLS IN THIS RACE

2. DON’T START THE RACE TOO FAST, IT’S EASY TO GET CARRIED AWAY AND ALL THE HILLS ARE LATER IN THE RACE

3. WHEN YOU FIRST SEE THE BEACH, YOU STILL HAVE OVER 1KM TO GO AND A REASONABLE HILL, SO SAVE SOME ENERGY FOR THAT

4. WHEN IN DOUBT, GO HARD!

Race Day TipsRace Day Tips

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Join Eloise Wellings (centre) and run to raise

money for the Love Mercy Foundation!

• In 1975 Dennis Knee (1st) and 40 year old triple

Olympian and triple World record holder Albie

Thomas (3rd) entered the event, bringing great

credibility to the race.

• The race has a rich history of quality winners

including Olympians and Commonwealth games

runners Andrew Lloyd, Kerryn McCann, Martin Dent,

Heather Turland and Julian Paynter

• 1990 Commonwealth Games Gold medalist and local

boy Andrew Lloyd has won the event 8 times

• The entire race is organized and stationed by

volunteer Wanda Surf Life saving Club members

and funds raised are for the running of the Surf

Life Saving Club with some also being donated to

charities, like their main charity this year The Love

Mercy Foundation.

• The inaugural race was held on Sept 23, 1972 with

around 50 competitors

• It was born to help raise funds for the Wanda Surf

Life Saving Club to pay for life saving equipment &

promote health and wellbeing of the people in the

community

• The second ever official “fun run” in Sydney, only 12

months after the first City to Surf

• The first two years the run came down President

avenue and finished in Gunnamatta Bay (yr 1) and

Dunnigham Park (yr 2)

• In 1974 the Race was changed to July & to come down

the Kingsway and finish at the Surf Club

• Two times Commonwealth Games Marathon Gold

medalist and 3 time Olympian, the late Kerryn

McCann has won the event an amazing 9 times

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Race History & FactsRace History & Facts

JULY 2012 39

Ali NajemAMATEUR ATHLETE PROFILE

Ali NajemAMATEUR ATHLETE PROFILE

Ali leads out the front runners in this year’s Mother’s Day Classic in Sydney’s Domain.

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FOREWORD BY JOCK CAMPBELL

IN MY PHONE CONTACTS I HAVE 3

ALI’S. TO DISTINGUISH ALI NAJEM HE IS

LISTED AS “ALI VERY FAST RUNNER!”.

TO BECOME A TOP ENDURANCE

RUNNER YOU FIRST NEED THE PHYSICAL

ATTRIBUTES, MOSTLY A GENETIC GIFT

OF A GREAT AEROBIC CAPACITY, BUT

JUST AS IMPORTANTLY YOU NEED TO

BE ABLE TO PUSH HARD IN TRAINING

AND RACING AGAIN AND AGAIN

AND AGAIN. YOU ALSO HAVE TO BE

WILLING AND ABLE TO PUSH THAT

EFFORT TO BEYOND WHAT YOUR BODY

AND MIND WANT TO GO, WHICH

TAKES A BIG “TICKER” AND A TOUGH

MIND AND YOU HAVE TO BE WILLING

TO DO THIS FOR YEARS TO GET TO

YOUR PEAK AND BE ANYWHERE NEAR

THE BEST.

I SEE A LOT OF THESE TRAITS IN ALI

AND ALSO I SEE HE HAS NO FEAR OF

RUNNING AGAINST ANYONE OR IN

ANY COMPETITION. IT’S EARLY DAYS,

BUT I’M ENJOYING WHAT I SEE! THE

BEST CHARACTER TRAIT HE HAS IS HE

WONT LISTEN TO ANYONE WHO SAYS

HE CAN’T DO SOMETHING. INSTEAD

IT JUST FUELS HIM TO PROVE THEM

WRONG . WHEN SO MANY KIDS

THESE DAYS WANT TO TAKE SHORT

CUTS AND THE WRONG OPTION, ALI

ALWAYS LIKES TO TAKE THE HARD

OPTION IN TRAINING WHICH IS QUITE

REFRESHING. THIS IS HIS RUNNING

STORY SO FAR.

JULY 2012 43

WHO IS ALI NAJEM?An average 17 year old kid who has a passion for running like no other.

WHAT ARE YOUR SPORTS, AND OUT OF THEM WHICH IS YOUR SPORT OF CHOICE?I love my cricket, rugby league (Penrith Panthers), Hockey, UFC and of course my 2 favourites would have to be Athletics and Cross Country.

WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN RUNNING AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT IT?I’ve been running ever since I was a little kid, running around the house annoying the hell out of everyone, sleeping the night before the school cross country or athletics carnival in my running gear. It’s what I’ve grown up with and have found helps me in everything. I love it with a passion and it’s simply the best.

WHAT’S THE TOUGHEST EVENT OR SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT YOU’VE EVER DONE?Toughest event probably would have to be fasting during Ramadan and having the regional athletics carnival, 8 races in one day with no water or food ... Bloody tough and challenging but got through it with some great results.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TRAINING SESSION AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?Saturday morning Sand hills are the biggest challenge physically and mentally but with the right environment (Jock Athletic Family) there’s nothing you can’t do and I’m sure everyone agrees with that.

HOW MANY TRAINING SESSIONS DO YOU DO PER WEEK AND THE BREAKDOWN?6-8 session per week2 sand session with Jock Athletic2 track session with Jock Athletic2 Long runs (about 20km) and sneak in 2 sessions In the morning before school, usually nice and easy recovery runs

HOW DO YOU FIT ALL THAT IN, DO YOU WORK/UNI/SCHOOL ?I’m currently studying for the HSC, which doesn’t make it easy. I work part time on Sunday, which is my day off training, if I’m not racing. I try balancing my training with schoolwork and sometimes I have to sacrifice a day of school, which doesn’t leave mum or the school too happy.

WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO GO IN THE FUTURE WITH YOUR RUNNING?Professionally of course. I hope to be the best one day and run for Australia.

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WHAT ARE YOU SECRETS TO STICKING TO A TRAINING PROGRAM?It’s not really a secret, it’s common sense, that is if you train hard and put in 100% you will achieve what you want. You must think, as much as you want to win, your opponents want to win more, and in order to beat them and become the best you have to train hard every session, rain, hail or shine, it doesn’t matter.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST EXCUSE FOR NOT STICKING TO A TRAINING PROGRAM?Exams for school, but never works anyway ha-ha

WHAT’S YOUR MOST DREADED TRAINING SESSION AND WHY?Saturday Sand hills (the slippery slide) just looking at the angle of that hill is dreadful in it’s-self, let alone running up the thing... Suicidal, but fun!

WHAT’S YOUR NEXT BIG CHALLENGE?Take it day by day; hopefully next big challenge would be Sutherland and City 2 surf.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN THE SPORTING WORLD? Hicham El Guerrouj in the 2004 Athens Olympics, finally winning the gold medal after years of just falling short and Ricky Ponting after losing his captaincy and then scrapping all the negative talk from the media, by playing on and scoring the century Australia’s been waiting for to put a shut to all these accusations of “his too old” ... Age Is just a number!

YOUR FAVOURITE MOTIVATIONAL SAYING?

“Faith over

fear“

Life is local

Proudly supporting and informing

the local community since 1960

www.theleader.com.au

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SURF LIFE SAVINGTHE PADDLEBOARD WORLD TITLES

JOCK CAMPBELL

JULY 2012 47

SURF LIFE SAVINGTHE PADDLEBOARD WORLD TITLES

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THE FIRST SPORT OF SURF LIFE SAVING WE’RE LOOKING AT IS PADDLE BOARDING. BORN FROM THE USE OF LARGE CUMBERSOME RESCUE BOARDS THE LIFESAVERS USE TO RESCUE DISTRESSED SWIMMERS, THE PADDLEBOARD HAS TURNED INTO A HIGHLY REGARDED RACE IN SURF LIFE SAVING AND MAKES UP AN IMPORTANT LEG IN THE IRONMAN EVENT. THE SLEEK BOARDS FOR COMPETITION LOOK MORE LIKE TORPEDOES THAN THE LARGER BEASTS THAT ARE USED IN RESCUE SITUATIONS AND ARE BUILD FOR SPEED, NOT COMFORT.

The faster way to paddle the board is on your knees, reaching right forward with your arms and pulling through, which puts the body in an awkward position and training and racing in this sport is quite brutal on the neck, back and shoulders.

It’s a summer sport in Australia, so how do you stay in shape during the winter for it?

One way is to do the paddleboard race between the islands of Molokai and Oahu across the Ka’iwi Channel in the Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships in Hawaii. One of our athletes, multiple Aussie Gold Medallist Dean Simpson, is attempting it this year on July 29.

Dean Simpson, or “Rat”, is no exception, starting preparations for this race one week after the nationals finished in March.

The key with such a long race is to start preparing early, and after having a great fitness base from heavy training through the summer for the Aussie titles, the “rat” then turned to the specifics of his board training, spending countless hours on the board, in the gym, running and swimming to physically prepare him for the 32km paddle in open rough water. This has been done mostly through the Sydney winter, on his own in cold, tough and rough conditions, which is great for building the mental toughness required for such a marathon event.

This event is part of the growing world fraternity of enduro Surf Life saving events like the Battle of the Paddles on Hamilton Island, the famous Coolangatta Gold and the return of the professional League of Ironman; The Nutri Grain Ironman series. This combined with many of the Queensland clubs being semi-professional is allowing athletes to become professional or at least semi-professional and a pathway for juniors to aim for, which is great for our sport.

Good luck Rat, the amateur in the professional’s body; this race will be an experience of a lifetime.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT SURF LIFE SAVING IS THAT ALTHOUGH FOR THE MOST PART IT’S AN AMATEUR SPORT, THE PREPARATION OF THE ATHLETES IN MANY CASES IS PROFESSIONAL.

SURF LIFE SAVING

JULY 2012 49

DEAN’S TRAINING PROGRAM4 X SWIM PER WEEK (SESSIONS UP TO 7KM+)

5 X RUNS PER WEEK

3 X BOARD PADDLES PER WEEK (8 HOURS PER WEEK)

3 X WEIGHTS SESSIONS PER WEEK

6 X FLEXIBILITY SESSIONS PER WEEK

1 X PHYSIO/CHIRO SESSION PER WEEK

1 X MASSAGE PER WEEK

HEAPS OF SLEEP

Not a great position for your neck during a short paddle, let alone for 32km.

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SURF LIFE SAVING

Simmo contemplates a 3hr training run, with the thermometer reading 11.3 deg and 30/kph winds. Enjoy that one, Simmo!

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DEAN’S TOP 3 TIPSfor training for the big race • PLAN YOUR PREPARATION

EARLY

• DON’T RELY ON OTHERS TO

COMPLETE YOUR TRAINING,

MUCH OF IT IS DONE ON YOUR

OWN

• RAIN, HAIL OR SHINE YOU

TRAIN, NO EXCUSES, THE

CONDITIONS YOU RACE IN

AREN’T ALWAYS GREAT

WOMEN IN

SPORTSPORT

JULY 2012 53

SPORTSPORT

All images: www.lisaweightman.com

JULY 2012 55

SPORTWOMEN IN

LISAWEIGHTMAN

PART 2AFTER BEING NOMINATED FOR SELECTION IN THE AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TEAM EARLIER THIS YEAR, A FEW WEEKS AGO LISA WEIGHTMAN FINALLY GOT THE NEWS SHE HAD BEEN WAITING TO HEAR – SHE WAS OFFICIALLY SELECTED IN THE TEAM AND WAS HEADED TO LONDON TO RACE THE MARATHON AT THE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES. AND SHE’S EARNED IT.

IN PART II OF OUR INTERVIEW, LISA TAKES US THROUGH HER TRAINING PROGRAM AND IMPARTS SOME HANDY ADVICE ON HOW TO STICK TO YOUR PROGRAM AND YOUR GOALS.

Girl on a Mission:

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SPORTWOMEN IN

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAINING SESSION AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

I do all my workouts with my husband Lachlan. He is a truly dedicated and devoted husband demonstrated by his willingness to complete marathon training with his wife year after year! We love running together and the feeling of achieving together is something I cherish very much.

The session I enjoy the most is longer reps (e.g. 5-8mins) along the Yarra River. Saturday morning sessions are so relaxed. There’s a wonderful group that meets up every Saturday morning and encourages each other. We get up at a reasonable time (with no work to head to), there’s no mad panic to get the shoes on and finish the workout and there’s plenty of time for recovery when we get home.

HOW MANY TRAINING SESSIONS DO YOU DO PER WEEK & THE BREAKDOWN, MILEAGE AND INTENSITY?

I run between 150 - 190km per week when preparing for a marathon. I complete a track workout of a Tuesday evening, fartlek on a Thursday evening and longer reps or tempo runs on a Saturday. Sunday I run over 2 hours. I then supplement my workouts with easy running each day. I get out for a second run 3-4 times per week.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST EXCUSE FOR NOT STICKING TO A TRAINING PROGRAM?Exhaustion!

HOW DO YOU FIT ALL THAT IN, DO YOU WORK AS WELL?

I fit everything in because I am simply a good organiser and I have a relentless focus toward my goals. I want to be the best athlete, best wife, best daughter, best sister, best aunty and best consultant I can possibly be, so I prioritise.

I DON’T WASTE TIME WITH THINGS THAT AREN’T IMPORTANT. WHEN I AM EXTREMELY EXHAUSTED I LISTEN TO MY BODY AND DO THE RIGHT THING BY IT. I FEED IT WELL, I LOAD IT UP WITH PROTEIN FROM MY FRIENDS AT ASCEND SPORT, NUTRITIOUS FOOD THAT MY MUM TAUGHT ME TO MAKE AND I COMPLETE ONLY THE WORKOUTS I KNOW WILL MAKE ME A GREAT RUNNER.

BALANCE IS KEY!

WHAT’S YOUR MOST DREADED TRAINING SESSION AND WHY?

10x800m on the track with a very short recovery. Speed and Speed Endurance combined. If you look at it on the flip side, when you run it well there is no better feeling.

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SPORTWOMEN IN

World Class Champions.ASCEND Believers.Lisa Weightman and Joe Gambles are elite athletes representing Australia on the world stage. The road to success for them, like any athlete, requires a rigorous training regime and the ability to withstand intense physical stresses.

The unique ultra-active whey peptide in ASCEND Elite Recovery is clinically proven to restore 100% strength capacity to your muscles within a staggering 24 hours*! So like Lisa and Joe, become an ASCEND Believer and maintain your training intensity to make every session count.

The benefits of ASCEND Proven Sports Proteins can also be found in our protein bars, now available at all good convenience outlets.

Learn more about this great Australian product at ascendsport.com.au

Train harder. More often.™

Believe.

*Buckley, J.D., Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport, 2008.P10

/ ASC

0177

Lisa Weightman, Olympian and Marathon Champion

Joe Gambles Ironman Champion

THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES WOMEN’S MARATHON WILL BE HELD ON 5 AUGUST 2012. GOOD LUCK LISA – WE’LL BE CHEERING ALL THE WAY.

...and find a training partner. If you have a training partner to help get you out of bed in the morning or head out in the cold winter evenings you will be more likely to stay motivated.

WHAT ARE YOUR SECRETS TO STICKING TO A TRAINING PROGRAM?HAVE FAITH IN YOUR COACH.TOO MANY ATHLETES START OUT WITH A GROUP OR COACH ONLY TO DOUBT THEIR METHODS AND QUESTION THEIR APPROACH. THEY THEN START DOING BITS AND PIECES BECAUSE THEY READ IT ON THE INTERNET OR HEAR ABOUT IT FROM A FRIEND. A TRAINING PROGRAM SHOULD ALWAYS OPERATE HOLISTICALLY. IT SHOULD TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION ALL FACETS OF YOUR LIFE.

JULY 2012 59

World Class Champions.ASCEND Believers.Lisa Weightman and Joe Gambles are elite athletes representing Australia on the world stage. The road to success for them, like any athlete, requires a rigorous training regime and the ability to withstand intense physical stresses.

The unique ultra-active whey peptide in ASCEND Elite Recovery is clinically proven to restore 100% strength capacity to your muscles within a staggering 24 hours*! So like Lisa and Joe, become an ASCEND Believer and maintain your training intensity to make every session count.

The benefits of ASCEND Proven Sports Proteins can also be found in our protein bars, now available at all good convenience outlets.

Learn more about this great Australian product at ascendsport.com.au

Train harder. More often.™

Believe.

*Buckley, J.D., Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport, 2008.P10

/ ASC

0177

Lisa Weightman, Olympian and Marathon Champion

Joe Gambles Ironman Champion

SPORTWOMEN IN

FIRST TIMER

MELISSA CAMPBELL

SO, LAST WEEK I DECIDED TO TAKE ON MY FIRST MARATHON. YEP. MARATHON (TAKE A DEEP BREATH MUM, I’LL BE FINE!). I ALWAYS KNEW I WOULD EVENTUALLY DO ONE, BUT I HADN’T REALLY GIVEN IT MUCH THOUGHT TILL NOW. HAVING BEEN ACTIVE MY WHOLE LIFE, I’M TAKING WHAT I’VE LEARNT IN TRAINING AND COMPETITION TO GIVE MYSELF THE BEST CHANCE AT FINISHING THIS RACE WELL.

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HAVING ESTABLISHED SOMEWHAT OF A RUNNING BASE OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS, I’M ALLOWING 14 WEEKS TO GET MYSELF READY FOR THE BLACKMORES RUNNING FESTIVAL MARATHON IN SEPTEMBER. Immediately after making that commitment, the one thing I knew was I wanted to do it right. I’ve seen all to often the trouble that long distance runners get into with injury, fatigue and general breakdowns.

SPORTWOMEN IN

TO AVOID THE PHYSIO APPOINTMENTS DOWN THE TRACK AND GIVE MYSELF THE BEST CHANCE OF COMPLETING THE PROGRAM, I’M LOOKING TO GET THE KEY THINGS RIGHT:

• EQUIPMENT

• PROGRAM

• NUTRITION

• RECOVERY

ALL 4 OF THESE ARE FAIRLY INTERTWINED, SO IT’S HARD TO DO ONE RIGHT WITHOUT THE OTHER.

1. EQUIPMENTI’ve never really paid much attention to running shoes, i.e., the type or the brand. To ensure I started off on the right foot, I went to my local running specialist shop to get some advice about the right shoe for me.

After assessing the wear on my current runners, then video recording my running gait on the treadmill, I was given a thorough assessment of my foot pronation (which is dreadful) then matched with the best running shoe to support my body.

It’s a two pronged attack: a lighter running shoe (which I’m used to and wanted to stick to) to get me through my shorter tempo runs and a sturdier shoe for the longer runs, to support me when I start to fatigue.

The Brooks Cadence (for tempo runs) and Adrenaline were my picks. Shoes sorted. With long compression tights, gloves, beanie and a jacket, nothing can stop me through the winter.

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The team at Southside Runners sort me out by recording my pronation via a treadmill and camera set up in-store.

INSET: They can then play the footage back in slow-motion, pointing out the dynamics of my running style and what shoe will give me the best support.

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RUNNING BEFORE THE KIDS WAKE UP SUITS ME BEST AND IT’S ALSO THE ONLY TIME OF DAY THAT NOTHING CAN GET IN THE WAY – NO MEETINGS, NO CALLS, NO EMAILS – NO EXCUSES.

SPORTWOMEN IN

2. PROGRAMAs a mum with 2 lil’ kids and running a business, being organized is key. So is the support of your partner. So with my days mapped out, my coach (Jock Campbell) has set a running program that suits me (its’ realistic) and will give me the best chance of not just finishing the marathon, but finish without stopping and feeling as good as possible. Come the starting gun, I know I will have done enough to get me through.

Next, find a training mate. The idea of a running partner is to make you accountable but also to support each other as you will inevitably have good and bad days. Don’t feel compelled to keep a conversation through the whole run. Just be.

To help each other on our long runs, I’ve been running with good friend Melissa O’donoghue, who’s in training for the New York Marathon in November. Twice a week we meet to get through the longer miles together.

Mel O is an inspiration – having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 12 years ago, this mother of 3 has given herself every chance of beating this retched disease by keeping her mind and body both fit and strong. She never complains, just gets on and does it. My type of training partner! I’m as equally excited about Mel O completing her first marathon as I am about my own.

3. NUTRITIONBy default I’ve found that I’ve naturally wanted to eat better, consume the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fluids to keep my body in good shape while I give it a hiding over the coming months. This is mostly having a positive flow on affect on the rest of my family – if only my 4 year old would eat anything other than weetbix.

I’m certainly not doing anything drastic. I’m cutting down on wine with dinner, ensuring I get enough carbs to fuel my runs and have taken a liking to protein and carbohydrate shakes to help with recovery. Eat from the 5 food groups, or so I’m told!

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SPORTWOMEN IN

MELISSA CAMPBELL IS A FORMER STATE 2KM BEACH RUN CHAMPION, RUNNER, MOTHER OF 2 AND THE GENERAL MANAGER AND HEAD OF ALL OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS AT JOCK ATHLETIC. SHE DOESN’T MIND A DROP OF RED AND HAS A SERIOUS ADDICTION TO CHOCOLATE. LIKE, SERIOUSLY.

YOU CAN FOLLOW MEL ON TWITTER (@_MELCAMPBELL).

When I’m not running, I’m wearing my recovery tights all day and sleep in them at night. They help reduce muscle soreness - the difference is huge.This new challenge has opened my eyes to a whole other world – a world of GU’s and compression sox, GPS watches, protein shakes and totally uncool running shorts on men. Seriously, guys.

SO IF YOU WANNA GO FROM WEEKEND JOGGER, TO MARATHON FINISHER, THEN GO FOR IT. WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE?

4. RECOVERYThere’s enough material on this subject to fill this magazine, but for me recovery is all about getting the right fuel during and after my runs, stretching, massage, compression and sleep.I’ve never fully understood the hype around sports proteins powders/shakes until recently.

Essentially, the first 20mins after you finish the race, carbs are absorbed into the muscles far quicker, and the protein helps for the muscle repair or protein synthesis. Gatorade or an energy drink during the long runs help for carb replenishment, but also to aid in recovery as you’re training by reducing cortisol levels (stress hormone) – I stole this information from Jock.

So many great brands and varieties out there, make sure you choose one that tastes good.I’m stretching the house down, something I’ve never been good at. I have established a love/hate relationship with the foam roller, working the knots out of my ITBs, hammys and quads. Oh how I loathe thee. I’ve also pre-booked fortnightly massage appointments right up until race day.

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MY TOP TIPS:•GET THE SUPPORT OF YOUR

PARTNER. WORK OUT A PLAN WHICH BEST SUITS YOUR SITUATION SO THAT EVERYONE IS HAPPY.

•GET THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FROM THE START. BE SURE TO GET GOOD RUNNING SHOES EARLY ON IN THE PIECE. YOU DON’T WANT TO BE RUNNING YOUR FIRST MARATHON IN NEW SHOES. NEVER TAKE AN UNTESTED WEAPON INTO BATTLE!

• TALK TO A RUNNING COACH ABOUT A PROGRAM THAT’S REALISTIC FOR YOU. MAKE SURE IT INCLUDES A STRENGTHENING ELEMENT TO HELP WITH CORE, HIP AND UPPER BODY STRENGTH.

•GIVE YOUR BODY THE RIGHT NOURISHMENT FOR THE JOB

• INVEST IN SOME PROTEIN/CARBOHYDRATE SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP WITH RECOVERY, STRETCH AND TREAT YOURSELF TO REGULAR MASSAGE.

MUST HAVES: Couldn’t resisit the flashy hot pink Pure Cadence

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SPORTWOMEN IN

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REBECCA GAWTHORNE

THEFEMALETriad PART II

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SPORTWOMEN IN

SPORTWOMEN IN

To recap, The Female Athlete Triad is a combination of three medical conditions that are all linked to each other:

Last month in Jock Athletic Ezine we had a look at The Female Athlete Triad; a common, yet serious medical condition that affects female athletes.

In Part 2 of The Female Athlete Triad, we delve into some of the prevention and treatment strategies.

There are many nutrition-related options to help prevent and manage this condition, and allow female athletes to compete and excel in their sports in a healthy and happy way.

3.WEAK

BONES & STRESS FRACTURES

1.LOW ENERGY AVAILABILITY

& DISORDERED EATING

2.MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS

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PREVENTIONTHE BEST WAY TO PREVENT THE FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD IS THROUGH AWARENESS AND EDUCATION. EDUCATING ATHLETES, PARENTS AND COACHES ABOUT WHAT THE TRIAD IS, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AND STEPS TO PREVENT IT ARE ESSENTIAL.

To help prevent the Triad, it is important that female athletes are educated on nutritional requirements for their age, particularly energy, calcium and vitamin D. Good nutrition and adequate energy intake will ensure a healthy weight and foster good bone formation.

THE FEMALE TRIAD

Prevention, Management& Treatment

AS A PARENT: • Provide your children with healthy meals

and snacks • Talk with your children about The

Female Athlete Triad and healthy body development

• Look for warning signs and symptoms of the Triad and seek medical help if you are concerned

• Focus on health and a positive body image, not body weight

AS AN ATHLETE:• Focus on healthy, nutritious eating for

optimal performance• Monitor your menstrual cycle by using a

diary or calendar• Consult your doctor if you have irregular/

missed periods or recurrent injuries and stress fractures

• Seek the help of a Dietitian to design a healthy diet specific to your sport and to your body’s energy needs

• Talk with someone if you are concerned about your body image or weight

3.WEAK

BONES & STRESS FRACTURES

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SPORTWOMEN IN

• Seek emotional support from parents, coaches, friends and teammates

AS A COACH: • Encourage your athletes to eat a healthy,

balanced diet• Remind your athletes that healthy eating

is an important part of successful training and competition

• Focus on health and a positive body image, not body weight

• Educate your athletes about the Triad and warning signs and symptoms

• Avoid out-of-competition weigh-ins• Link your athletes with other health

professionals including Dietitians and counselors

• Look for warning signs and symptoms of the Triad and help your athletes seek medical advice

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TIPS FOR FEMALE ATHLETES

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PERIODS - KEEP A RECORD ON A CALENDAR OR IN YOUR PHONE OF WHEN YOUR HAVE YOUR PERIODS. THAT WAY, IF YOU START MISSING PERIODS, YOU’LL KNOW RIGHT AWAY AND YOU’LL HAVE ACCURATE INFORMATION TO GIVE TO YOUR DOCTOR.

VISIT A DIETITIAN – THEY WILL HELP YOU GET YOUR DIETARY GAME PLAN INTO GEAR AND FIND OUT IF YOU’RE GETTING ENOUGH KEY NUTRIENTS SUCH AS IRON, CALCIUM, AND PROTEIN. AND IF YOU NEED SUPPLEMENTS, A DIETITIAN CAN RECOMMEND THE BEST CHOICES.

MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT MANAGING AND TREATING THE FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD REQUIRES A TEAM APPROACH - ATHLETE, PARENTS, COACH, DIETITIAN, G.P. AND OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS...

The first aim of treatment for any Triad component is to increase energy availability. This may involve increasing energy intake from foods or reducing energy expenditure from exercise. Nutrition counselling from a Dietitian is essential to have energy needs assessed. Increasing energy availability should restore menstrual cycles and optimise bone mineral density. Ensuring adequate amounts of bone building nutrients including calcium, vitamin D & K, protein and other essential nutrients will aid bone recovery. Amounts can be determined by a Dietitian and dietary supplements may be necessary.

WHAT IF I THINK SOMEONE I KNOW HAS IT?It is easy to ignore female athlete triad and hope it goes away. But successful treatment requires help from a doctor and other health professionals. If a friend, sister or teammate has signs and symptoms of female athlete triad, discuss your concerns with her and encourage her to seek treatment. If she refuses, you may need to mention your concern to a parent or coach.

SPORTWOMEN IN

TIPS FOR FEMALE ATHLETES

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PERIODS - KEEP A RECORD ON A CALENDAR OR IN YOUR PHONE OF WHEN YOUR HAVE YOUR PERIODS. THAT WAY, IF YOU START MISSING PERIODS, YOU’LL KNOW RIGHT AWAY AND YOU’LL HAVE ACCURATE INFORMATION TO GIVE TO YOUR DOCTOR.

VISIT A DIETITIAN – THEY WILL HELP YOU GET YOUR DIETARY GAME PLAN INTO GEAR AND FIND OUT IF YOU’RE GETTING ENOUGH KEY NUTRIENTS SUCH AS IRON, CALCIUM, AND PROTEIN. AND IF YOU NEED SUPPLEMENTS, A DIETITIAN CAN RECOMMEND THE BEST CHOICES.

DON’T SKIP MEALS OR SNACKS - IF YOU’RE CONSTANTLY ON THE GO, IT CAN BE EASY TO SKIP MEALS AND SNACKS. BUT EATING NOW WILL IMPROVE PERFORMANCE LATER, SO STOCK UP WITH HEALTHY SNACKS LIKE FRUIT, MUESLI BARS, FRUIT MUFFINS, YOGHURT TUBS TO ENSURE YOU HAVE SOMETHING TASTY AND EASY TO EAT ON THE GO. TALK TO SOMEONE – IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR HEALTH OR YOU HAVE SOME OF THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD, IT IS IMPORTANT TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT IT. TALK TO RELATIVE, FRIEND, COACH, AND SEEK MEDICAL HELP. TALKING TO A DOCTOR OR DIETITIAN WILL BE CONFIDENTIAL.

REMEMBER: IT’S YOUR BODY AND YOUR LIFE; YOU CAN STOP UNHEALTHY CONSEQUENCES OF THE TRIAD IF YOU SEEK HELP AND LIVE HEALTHY AND COMPETE AT YOUR BEST!

· Slow or plateaued results from your exercise· Lethargy, tiredness, weak immune system· Sport nutrition training and competition diet· Help with weight loss· Mood swings, food or sugar cravings· Safe muscle building

Rebecca Gawthorne - Dietit ian & Nutrit ionistBNutrDiet (Hons I) , APD, AN

“Feel, Look & Live Healthier”

As an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Rebecca uses the latest scientific evidence to develop personalised dietary plans to help you reach your goals. Plans are tailored specifically to you, the individual, whatever your lifestyle. Rebecca will provide you with expert nutrition and dietary advice on easy ways to eat healthier and achieve your health goals faster.

Clinical conditions including:· Diabetes· High blood pressure· High cholesterol· Heart conditions· Digestion & gut problems· Food allergies & intolerances

Health Fund & Medicare Rebates available.

Should I see a Dietitian?

If you need help with, or experience any of the following, you will benefit from seeing a Dietitian:

76 jockathletic.com

ANDRE ADAMS (Cricket)

took his 600th First class wicket playing

for Nottinghamshire in English County

Cricket with another 5-wicket haul.

ROCHELLE GILMORE (CYCLING)

the current Commonwealth Games Road

cycling champion, despite some solid

results upon returning from injury didn’t

quite do enough to make Australian Olym-

pic team selection. Bad luck Rochelle, set

your sights on the next Commonwealth

Games and beyond.

PHIL JAQUES (Cricket)

currently dominating with Yorkshire

Count=y Cricket Club and has been named

as Sutherland District Cricket Club’s Head

coach for 2012/2013 season.

JACK NOBLETT (Hockey)

Scored 4 goals in the State Titles tourna-

ment with his team (U/15 Sydney Hockey)

winning the State Titles.

AUDREY AMIYA-HALL (Running)

Finished 2nd in the National Mountain

Running Championships

SHANE CAMPBELL (Surfing)

Came 2nd in the U/18’s NSW Surf Masters

at Boomerang Beach ‘turning heads with his

explosive brand of surfing’

CHRIS IKONOMIDIS (Football) playing well

for Serie A club Atalanta in Italy

CALLUM STEWART (Cricket)

currently playing minor counties for Her-

efordshire County Cricket Club

RICKY PONTING (Cricket)

resumes pre season training this month

with Jock Athletic.

RAJAMANI PRABU

who did his training and education with

Jock Athletic, has a new business in Chen-

nai training professional Indian Cricketers

and Bollywood stars. Great work Raj, when

are you coming back for a visit?

EACH MONTH WE BRING YOU NEWS AND RESULTS FROM

JOCK ATHLETIC ATHLETES, HERE AND ABROAD.

JULY 2012 77

MARK MILLIGAN (Football)

played solidly off the bench in his return to

the number one Aussie side in the friendly

international against Denmark and then com-

ing on as an early replacement against Japan

for Marco Bresciano was controversially sent

off in the 1 all draw against the Blue Samurai,

JAPAN.

MICHAEL FOX (Triathlon)

Is over in the USA competing in the pro series.

Results to date: 4th Kansas City 5150, 10th

Boise, Idaho 70.3 and 6th at NOLA 5150, New

Orleans. Nice work foxy!

LACHLAN CRAWFORD (Running)

Broke a 30-year-old school record in the

800m athletics carnival.

CROSS COUNTRY: REGIONAL TITLES

Emma Blanch – 2nd

Ali Najem – 3rd

Lachlan Crawford – 2nd

Elly O’Donoghue – 4th

Hannah Goman – 4th

Abbey Pugh - 4th

Awesome results all-round!

CONNOR O’LEARY (Surfing)

Connor won his first ASP

event – the inaugural Mura-

saki Quicksilver Jeju Open

in South Korea. He put on

a sensational performance

in the final, scoring a 9.00

(out of a possible 10) on his

opening ride and backing

that up with a 9.50. Narly

dude!

“I’ve spent my life being a member of a team, challenging both myself and those around me. I now challenge you, family, friends and your co-workers to help the Steve Waugh Foundation raise money for children with a rare disease. It’s as simple as joining ‘Team Waugh’ for the City2Surf 2012. Together, we can give brave young Australians with a rare disease and their families... somewhere to turn. Register today.” STEVE WAUGH AO “ALWAYS 100%”

IT’S THE EVENT THAT STOPS SYDNEY! In 2011, the Steve Waugh Foundation fielded a 600 strong team and raised over $60,000 for the Foundation and most importantly, kids with rare diseases. This year, we need YOU to help us raise the benchmark!

Every officially registered City2Surf Team Waugh member gets a cap. The top 11 individual fundraisers will each enjoy an exclusive SCG Members Ticket for them and a guest at a One Day International Cricket match this summer season at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Play ‘Twenty Twenty’ to raise much needed funds for our kids and their families. Twenty Twenty is easy. Get 20 friends to give you at least $20 each and you’re fundraising for Team Waugh is off and running for City2Surf 2012.

Whether you run or walk the course, or just join the team to help us fundraise, it is sure to be a great day and event in which everyone can be involved.

Join us and help us give our kids with rare diseases ‘somewhere to turn’.

FOR DETAILS ON HOW YOU CAN BE PART OF TEAM WAUGH AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S CITY2SURF,LOG ONTO: www.stevewaughfoundation.com.au CALL: STEVE WAUGH FOUNDATION, 1300 66 99 35EMAIL: city2surf@stevewaughfoundation.com.au

EVERYDAY HERO: www.fundraise.city2surf.com.au/team_waugh_4